What is Computer Coding? | 98thPercentile

Imagine teaching a robot precisely how to prepare your favorite sandwich. Too vague, and you might end up with peanut butter on pickles. Too simple, and the hapless robot could short-circuit in confusion! This wonderful balance of open communication is just what happens when human beings communicate with computers through programming - other than lunch, we're producing everything from video games to rocket launch sequences.

Unleash your child's technology potential with 98thPercentile!

In today's digital era, coding has changed from being an enigmatic technical activity to an integral literacy. Reading and writing open doors, and now coding is the key that opens endless opportunities for our children.

Come along with us to uncover the code, discover why it matters to your child, and find how they can start their coding today.

Coding Decoded: What's It Really?

"Everyone in this country should learn to write computer programs because it teaches you how to think.” - Steve Jobs

At its most basic level, coding (or programming) is writing instructions to computers in a language they know. These directions - coded in expert languages such as Python, Scratch, or JavaScript - instruct the computers step by step how to do it.

This simple code sample illustrates the elementary logic programming usage: if the condition is true, then do something. Programming is really creative problem-solving - dividing difficult tasks into logical steps that even a computer can follow.

Start with free coding tutorials!

Why Your Child Needs Coding

• Fosters computational thinking abilities: Coding helps children learn to decompose problems and consider carefully.
• Encourages creativity and innovation: Building buildings requires imagination and innovative
• solutions.
• Improves academic performance: Studies show that coding improves mathematics grades by up to 40%.
• Develops career-building skills: Not just for computer work - coding is relevant in any field.
• Develops persistence and resilience: Learning to debug code encourages children to accept challenges.

The Coding Journey: What to Expect at Different Ages

Did You Know?

1. The first computer programmer was a woman - Ada Lovelace - who developed algorithms in the 1840s.
2. There are over 700 different programming languages available.
3. One hour of coding practice develops problem-solving skills transferred to other areas.
4. The average salary of coding professionals exceeds the national average salary by 40%.

How to Teach Your Child to Code: A Parent's Handbook

1. Start Screen-Free

Prior to answering a computer, learn computational thinking using board games such as Robot Turtles or like creating step-by-step procedures for repetitive tasks.

2. Make It Tangible

Connect coding to real outcomes with programmable toys like Sphero, LEGO Mindstorms, or Micro bit boards that make code come alive.

3. Monitor Their Interests

Does your kid love space? Have them code a planet simulation. Is your kid a music enthusiast? Have them study software that creates melodies.

4. Build Incrementally

Begin with drag-and-drop block coding systems before moving on to text-based coding languages - such as children learn to talk before writing.

5. Celebrate the Process

In computer programming, "errors" are called bugs, which are learning experiences. When your child makes mistakes, praise their debugging skills rather than focusing on the end product only.

Join coding summer camp!

How 98thPercentile Encourages Young Coders

At 98thPercentile, we feel that coding is not a destination, but a journey that requires the proper direction at each step. Our coding programs are such that:

• Provide personalized learning courses based on your child's experience and age
• Offer on-demand, interactive code instruction by certified teachers
• Highlight project-based learning that will engage children and keep them interested
• Not just coding skills but problem-solving and critical thinking skills as well.
• Create a positive environment where mistakes are stepping stones to greatness

Parent Power-Ups: Empowering Your Young Programmer

• Instead of only showing the solution, ask them about it 
• Code together with them to make it a shared experience 
• Emphasize coding in daily life - from traffic lights to bank ATMs 
• Inspire perseverance when plans go wrong Mark small victories along the way

Coding is not only about getting kids ready to work one day - it's about giving them the mental instruments to navigate an increasingly complicated world. By knowing patterns, deconstructing problems, and reasoning logically, young programmers create superpowers that go way beyond the screen of their computers.

FAQs 

Ans: Definitely! Most kids who have a problem with conventional math are excellent at coding because it involves mathematical concepts in tangible, innovative ways. Math becomes relevant through programming.

Ans: 5-year-olds may begin with visual, block-based programming. The trick is to locate age-level expectations and tools.

Ans: As with any craft, learning to code has a turning point. But with today's software, the point of entry is significantly accessible. Starting with game-based and visual code environments is an enjoyable experience.

Ans: Proper coding education involves active, creative work and not passive watching of the screen. Most coding exercises can also be accomplished screen-free by utilizing unplugged exercises.

Ans: Our curriculum combines live instruction, personalized learning paths, and project-based learning. Unlike courses recorded, our instructors give immediate feedback and adjust to each child's learning style.

Related Articles

1. 8 Benefits of Coding for Kids

2. Learn How to Code Online: A Beginners Guide

3. Introduction to Basic Coding Concepts

4. An Introduction to Important Coding Terms

5. What Is an Algorithm in Programming?